Movies Wars Robin Hood

May 12, 2010

As Ridley Scott brings us back to Sherwood Forrest, we look back at the last great Hood picture: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

It’s been nearly twenty years since Kevin Costner donned tights, robbed from the rich gave to the poor and still managed to get the girl in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Now Ridley Scott is bringing Robin Hood to the big screen for an entire new generation- but will the film stand the test of time as the ‘90s screen classic has? Movies.ie investigates:

THE ROBINS:

Say what you will about Kevin Costner today, but in the ‘90s the man had a charisma and charm in spades. His Robin Hood is a spoilt one, still a boy growing up into the hero he will be. A flawed boy-hero, Costner’s Hood relies much on his supporting cast which included such big names as Morgan Freeman and that other infamous ‘90s star Christian Slater. Conversely Crowe’s Robin Hood will undoubtedly be a more dominating, mature figure but can such a Hood win out against Costner’s underdog?

CHEESE FACTOR:

The action adventure genre truly has come along way since Prince of Thieves. Since Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, the genre has been attempted to bring a sense of realism, almost gravitas to ancient times And while such films as Troy, 300 and Clash of the Titans may have entertained they are missing one key factor: ‘90s cheese! Where would Robin Hood be without such vintage lines as Christian Slater’s “Fuck me, they cleared it” or Kevin Costner’s classic ‘90s mullet?

SOUNDTRACK

And speaking of cheese, there is no escaping THAT SONG. While 21st century ears may cringe at the mere title “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” – Brian Adams’ song was so popular it stayed at the number one spot in the UK charts for 16 weeks (the longest in British chart history). Scott’s Robin Hood has much to contain with should they wish for such success, but apparently Adams’ is free for work….

VILLIANS:

Alan Rickman delivered what is one of his finest performances as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The role has now been given to Matthew MacFadyen who played Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice. The actor will undoubtedly put a different spin on it with his own evil sidekicks but can Mr. Darcy bring the nasty as Rickman did???